Collemeto
Welcome to Collemeto: history and monuments of a small hamlet in Galatina
Hello friends, today I will talk about a small hamlet in the municipality of Galatina, in the province of Lecce. It is Collemeto, a pretty and interesting place from a historical and cultural point of view.
The toponym
The name "Collemeto" probably derives from the Latin word ''cumulare'', which refers to the territory on which the village is located, raised compared to the surrounding areas. The village, which in the past was called "Calamitum" due to the presence of reed beds, then took the name "Tollemeto" from the surname of a notary in the area. Subsequently, the name underwent various modifications until it became "Colomito" and then the current "Collemeto".
History
Collemeto was probably founded in the Byzantine era, as an ecclesiastical center, with the construction of a Benedictine monastery around the 7th century AD. Later, the abbey became the residence of the Basilian monks. The village then developed around the five farms in the area thanks to the contacts between the monks and local farmers.
With the arrival of the Normans, Collemeto continued to develop mainly thanks to the work of enhancement of the Benedictine monks of Nardò and the Olivetani of Galatina. In the feudal period, it was owned by various noble families in the area.
The area underwent various destructions over the centuries, but the presence of the abbey and the Madonna of Constantinople remain to testify to the history of the place.
Monuments and places of interest
The church of Madonna di Costantinopoli is the parish church of the village. It was built in the first half of the 1900s on a pre-existing structure and was consecrated in 1949. The church has a simple neoromanesque façade with a central rose window and entrance portal, on which is carved the coat of arms of the Mongiò family - an elephant with a tower on top - who promoted the construction of the building.
Collemeto is located along the SS 101 Salentina di Gallipoli road, which connects the Ionian city with Lecce. Along this road, there are various farms and agricultural companies.
Curiosity
Some interesting curiosities are related to the history of Collemeto. It is said, for example, about the presence of a cave in the Quattro Palme farm, inside which there was an altar dedicated to the Madonna of Constantinople. This cave constituted for the ancient inhabitants of Columitu not only the only place of worship but also, during the World Wars, an excellent refuge from enemies.
When the hermits left, the cave became first a stable and then a tobacco warehouse. Today it is visitable as an archaeological site.
Conclusions
In conclusion, if you are lovers of history and culture, Collemeto is the ideal place to spend a pleasant afternoon immersed in the beauty of the Salento territory. The Madonna of Constantinople and the farms in the area will surprise you for their beauty and historical importance. Come and visit us, we will be happy to welcome you!
